Minnesota's stay-at-home order extended until May 18
Gov. Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s stay-at-home order until May 18.
The extension means most non-essential businesses, including restaurants, bars and salons, will remain closed until at least then. The state’s stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 28. Restaurants and other public venues, like libraries and gyms, have been shuttered since March 17.
In an announcement Thursday, Walz assured the public that the measures being taken by Minnesota are working, but added that society must re-open incrementally to avoid losing the progress that has been made.
“From building out critical hospital capacity to launching a landmark testing strategy, Minnesota has made meaningful progress in preparing for the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Walz. “Minnesotans have made this possible by staying home and holding down the rate of infection.
“But now is not the time for sudden movements. There’s more work to be done. We need to keep this virus at a simmer, not a boil. We must prioritize the safety of Minnesotans while taking cautious, strategic steps toward getting people safely back to work.”
One notable adjustment to the order announced Thursday was targeted at retail stores. Those businesses will be allowed to re-open this coming Monday for curbside pick-up or delivery as long as they have a “Covid-19 preparedness plan.” Retail stores can use a state template or develop their own. While the state is not asking businesses for their plans, authorities can request a plan if complaints are filed against the business.
Speaking with reporters, the governor also asked people to continue wearing masks in public if they can — calling it a “simple gesture” — and to continue “what you are doing in your social distancing.”
“Even if there were not a stay-at-home order, that is the thing to do because that is the surest way to get beyond this," said Walz.
Additional information on the order can be found here.
